Reported By Melissa Crabtree, Stephanie Coueignoux, Margaret Kavanagh, Saul Saenz, Nick VinZant, Allison Walker and Jason Wheeler
HOLLY HILL -- The city’s police chief said between 40 and 50 percent of roads are closed due to flooding, which is compared to 95 percent Wednesday.
However, a lot of people are still dealing with those floodwaters.
Resident Larry Heff is using his UTV to drive to hard to reach spots and help people can't safely get out of their homes.
"I've never seen it this bad. I've been here since '02. (Even with the hurricanes?) Even with the hurricanes. I mean, this was like a hurricane," Heff said.
The most common request from the homebound residents is a ride to the grocery store to get daily items they ran out of.
So far, seven people have been evacuated from the city. They’re now staying at a Red Cross center in Volusia County.
Meanwhile, the Holly Hill Emergency Operations Center has been activated due to flooding issues in the city. Residents can call the Citizens Information Center at (386) 248-9410.
To try and keep residents informed, the Holly Hill Police Department is posting regular Twitter updates.
Damage Toll Could Rise In Daytona Beach
Flooding from four days of nonstop rain has caused millions of dollars in damage in the Daytona Beach area.
Now the city commission is hoping to get an emergency declaration.
The city commission will hold an emergency meeting Friday where they will present a declaration of state of emergency for approval.
If approved, the city will be able to access necessary funds to help those impacted by the floods.
Meanwhile, the Sutton Place apartment complex is partially flooded and the tap water is shut off.
The parking lot is off-limits because of knee-high water, so residents are parking along the street.
There is no word on when the water will be pumped out.
According to emergency officials, as much as 16 inches of rain has fallen over in Volusia County the last four days.
The resulting flooding has damaged 59 single-family homes, 20 commercial properties and two public buildings in Daytona Beach.
Three Volusia County Schools Remain Closed Friday
Classes at Daytona State College were cancelled Thursday and are expected to resume Tuesday, May 26.
Volusia County Schools closed Turie Small Elementary, Campbell Middle School and Chiles Academy Charter School in Daytona Beach because of the flooding and will remain closed until Friday. Officials say the three schools are expected to reopen Tuesday.
Absences will be excused for any Volusia County School student who misses school because their family is experiencing flooding on their street or in their home.
The Academy of Excellence in Bunnell will be closed Friday.
Graduation ceremonies for Atlantic and Taylor high schools took place as scheduled Thursday night.
No Disaster Declaration Yet
As bad as it's been in parts of Central Florida with this storm, the governor's office said it's no disaster.
News 13 contacted the governor's press office Thursday about a possible disaster declaration for the area.
However, workers at the office said there has been no discussion of declaring a state of emergency or a disaster declaration.
The state said disaster declarations usually won’t be issued until damage estimates reach levels of around $20 million to $25 million.
At this point, the governor's office said the damage hasn't gotten anywhere near that level.
Animals Seek Shelter Inside Homes
The wet water is causing wild animals to seek shelter inside people's homes.
One wildlife trapper was really busy Thursday. He's gotten an increase in calls about snakes, squirrels and raccoons.
Wildlife experts said when it's wet outside, animals search for food on drier land, sometimes near homes.
They said it's similar to what happens when there is a wildfire.
The animals will move from their normal habitat.
"I hate it that there are dead animals in my house. But I am happy they are gone and hopefully there are no more," said Michelle Saxer.
The trapper found a dead squirrel near the attic.
He said the squirrel probably went into the house to try and get away from the rain and wind.
Leaders with Brevard County Natural Resources said to keep trash cans covers, keep an eye on small animals, keep pet food inside and stay away from wild animals.
Floodwaters Damage 77 Homes In Ormond Beach
Seventy seven homes in Ormond Beach have fallen victim to floodwaters.
Firefighters there helped evacuate 10 families taking them to higher ground.
The worst flooding was seen between Nova Road and Ridgewood Avenue.
Many streets were impassable because of floodwaters rising several feet.
Some people, who ignored street closures or warnings to stay away from flooded streets, got stuck.
Some driving too fast angered homeowners because of the waves they created when driving. It sent stormwater crashing onto homes, sometimes inside the homes.
Homeowners in those flooded areas said they have never seen anything like it since living there.
"Since 1977. (Have you seen anything like this before?) No, this is the worst I've ever. This is worse than a hurricane," said Chris Hoch, a homeowner.
City officials said there are no crews pumping storm water out of the flooded neighborhoods because there's nowhere to pump it to.
Retention ponds are full.
Canals normally feed storm water into the Intracoastal Waterway, which is swollen at its banks.
Sandbag Distributions
Several counties are distributing sandbags to assist with flooding fears.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office will be handing out sandbags for residents with concerns of flooding from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at district office locations. Officials say there have been no weather-related emergencies.
Sand and sandbags are also available at the five Port Orange fire stations. There is a limit of 25 bags per vehicle. You must bring your own shovels. Double-lined bags work just as well as sandbags.
New Smyrna Beach residents can fill up sandbags at the Public Works Complex, at 124 Industrial Park Ave. from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sand and sandbags are free. Residents must bring their own shovel and fill bags themselves. There is a maximum of 20 bags per fammily. Identification is required.
Daytona Beach had to suspend its sandbag operations at the city's Public Works facility because of road closures. The city has opened a new operation at the Waste Pro facility at 925 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Residents are asked to bring their owner shovels and identification.
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